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Community remembers Principal Jordan during prayer vigils

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A community continues to mourn Wednesday night after the passing of principal Susan Jordan at Amy Beverland Elementary.

Two separate vigils were held to remember the beloved principal.

Investigators said Jordan died after pushing her students to safety when a bus accelerated and jumped the curb.

“Every time I think about it I’m heartbroken mainly for my daughter because such an important role model in her life is gone and I think about the kids that were hurt also and even the bus driver,” said Ian Kille, a parent of a Amy Beverland student.

Kille said his daughter wanted to add to the growing memorial for Jordan. The school gates are lined with posters, balloons and flowers.

“Mrs. Jordan with a smile and a wave. It just made you feel good about dropping your kids off here. She was out there every single day getting the kids on the bus, getting the kids off the bus,” said Kille.

Hundreds of people attended a private vigil held at Amy Beverland Elementary. Many of them students, parents and staff.

Several people addressed the crowd, including the president of the Amy Beverland Student Association.

Meanwhile, about ten minutes away, a small group gathered at Castleton United Methodist Church for a second prayer vigil.

The pastor opened his doors for students and families from Lawrence Township.

“This is a time, this is a place, this is an opportunity to heal. To take a moment to pause and to give God thanks for her life,” said Billy Nickrand, pastor of Castleton United Methodist Church.

While Jordan did not go to the church, many people who knew her did.

They know it’s going to be tough in the days ahead, but Stephanie Riebe said the community is ready to help.

“We just want to be a beacon of hope to this community. We want people to know that they’re loved and supported and our church is truly a place that wants to share the hope of Jesus with others,” said Riebe. “We just hope that people know that we’re here to support the Amy Beverland Community but bigger than that Lawrence township is our community.”

Classes are cancelled for the rest of the week at Amy Beverland Elementary.

Students will return to school on Monday.

Governor Mike Pence also called for flags to be lowered in Marion and Vanderburgh counties to half-staff in honor of Susan. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Saturday.